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Listed: First Nation + Scott Solter

First Nation

Every song on NYC trio First Nation's debut record teeters on the brink of coherence. Over the course of eleven songs, every so often a brief musical moment topples over the edge, and ends up stuck in my head for the next day. Small wonder, then, that they are handpicked favorites of the blurriest band ever to become popular: the Animal Collective. Their record is out on Paw Tracks (owned and sorta operated by AC), and the ladies of First Nation spent much of the spring on tour with 'the Jaminals.' It might be that they are truly kindred spirits, but then again, maybe they just like the 'monkey and an otter song.' I know I do! First Nation's self-titled debut album is out now on Paw Tracks.

Nina and Kate made this list. Some of the artists are shared, some are more Nina and others more Kate. If Melissa were with us she would have had more to offer, both from the group and from her, I'm sure Lil Wayne would've been on her list.

10. EthiopiquesSome comps appeal to me more than others, but I'm so thankful the series exists.

11. DJ Mamaman's dancehall collection

12. Milton Nascimento - Clube de EsquinaI continue to listen all the time.

13. Asha BhosleShe is amazing, and still singing after so many years and so much work.

14. Last Smog record - A River Ain't too Much to LoveBrendan Fowler from Barr told a fan this guy is one of his biggest inspirations, which totally blew my mind. Then I came home from our tour with him and listening to it, it made perfect sense.

15. BARRAll you gotta do to get majorly motivated is listen to "All Is For Updated" on his myspace page.

16. Neil Young - Cortez the Killer"Hate was just a legend/war was never known/people worked together/and they lifted many stones" makes me cry every time I hear it.

17. Soldiers of Fortune + Endless Boogie showsAs much as my life has strayed from rock and roll music, these dudes get me every time. There's a transcendence in the mastery and fun. It's weird.

18. Kria Brekkan/Avey Tare live at the Stone.

19. David Banner's first album screwed"Mississippi" especially "Bush" "Cadillacs on 22s" and "Fire Fallin'", the best political rap songs I've heard in many moons. And also the ill love jam "Choose Me".

20. London grimeThe new Wiley album is out.I'm excited... our favorites are always changing, but it's all mostly top-notch.

Scott Solter

Scott lives in San Francisco, and makes his living as a studio engineer. He's recorded John Vanderslice, the Mountain Goats, Court & Spark, William Lazarus, and Tarentel, among many others. In addition to engineering at Vanderslice's Tiny Telephone Studios, he runs his own recording space (formerly known as 15th street studios). His music is created mostly from processed guitars, as well as found objects and voices. His new release, One River, was recently released by Tell-All Records.